Dhaka, Feb. 9 -- President Mohammed Shahabuddin has cast his vote in the 13th parliamentary election by postal ballot.

The head of state is registered to vote in the Pabna-5 constituency. Mohammad Sagar Hossain, the president's assistant personal secretary, confirmed the matter on Monday.

A total of 20 former ministers and members of parliament in the ousted Awami League government, bureaucrats, policeman, and journalists in custody have also cast their votes in the general election through a postal ballot.

Inspector General of Prisons Brig Gen Syed Md Motaher Hossain said on Sunday night that a total of 40 former ministers, MPs, bureaucrats, and journalists in custody had registered to vote.

"Of these 40, 20 are now refusing to vote....